Unlike other angels who might have to slim down in the run up to the VS shows (another issue altogether), Gigi has said that she didn’t want to slim down for the most recent show, as her condition meant she was losing a lot weight already.

There are probably countless women who are cursing her for her slimming good fortune as we speak.

So, what is Hashimoto’s?

It’s basically a condition where the immune system starts to attack the thyroid gland, which limit the thyroid’s ability to make enough hormones for the body. In the end, the gland becomes swollen and damaged. That can form a lump in your throat.

Our thyroid glands make hormones which control our metabolisms – heart rates and how quickly the body uses calories from the food we eat.

As antibodies attack the thyroid, sufferers can have loads of different hormones sloshing into their bloodstreams and that can mean they swing between having an underactive thyroid or an overactive one.

As the antibody war rages, people experience sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeats, and anxiety. And as the hormones start to clear, their thyroid becomes underactive which can mean they gain weight, become constipated and tired.

In an interview with Elle, Gigi – who’s been taking medication for the condition said: ‘My metabolism actually changed like crazy this year…so for the VS show I didn’t want to lose any more weight’.

How common is it?

Anyone can be affected by it but it’s more prevalent in women. According to the NHS, 15 in every 1,000 women in the UK have it compared to 1 in 1,000 men.

Symptoms of Hashimoto's

fatigue

weight gain

constipation

dry skin

depression

Although the condition can cause weight gain, taking medication for it can cause your metabolism to fluctuate as more hormones are introduced to the body.

Why do so many of us have it?

The exact cause isn’t known but there are three main factors in its development:

Genetics – it runs in families, so if your parents have it…

Triggers – poor diet, stress, toxins, illness

Poor immune system – if you’ve got other immune system disorders like type 1 diabetes or vitiligo, you’re more likely to suffer from it.

Connected to weight issues, having an underactive thyroid can change the way the body processes fat.

The NHS say that this can cause all sorts of unpleasant problems such as high cholesterol, clogged arteries, angina and heart attacks. So it’s important to get it identified and start medication as soon as possible.

How to be tested for it and how to manage it

All you need is a simple blood test (a ‘thyroid function test’) which will measure your hormone levels. So if you’re repeatedly suffering from the symptoms mentioned above, just ask your GP if you can take a one.

By the time you’re 40, you’ll probably be rattling like a pharmacy anyway – what’s one little pill? If you miss it, you can start feeling funny (ask my mum – she went about two weeks without taking it and looks and sounded high AF). But it’s quickly resolved as long as you resume your meds.